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'Why I Use the IBM Model M Keyboard That's Older Than I Am' (yeokhengmeng.com)
Slashdot reader yeokm1 recently installed Linux on a 1993 PC. But in a new blog post he lists every keyboard he's owned over the last 12 years -- to explain why he's now typing on a 5.3-pound Model M keyboard from 1987 that's older than he is, "with its legendary buckling-spring switch."
It'll probably last me the decades to the day that keyboards should become obsolete... It is sad that with all the advancements in computing, the one piece of equipment that we use the most to interact with our computers has regressed technologically in the name of costs. We don't usually expect to be using 30-year-old hardware on a daily productive basis but the IBM Model M keyboard is that exception.
Today, I don't really care about fancy features like great aesthetics, RGB backlights, media keys and extra USB ports. I just need something that gives me great tactile feedback, be durable, enable me to easily swap keys to fit my Programmer Dvorak layout. The Model M fits my needs perfectly.
"Really can use this as a weapon," the blog post jokes. There's even a video "to show clicky sound difference" between two different versions of the Model M -- and in true geek fashion, he even removes the casing screws to see whether the inside had rivets or bolts.
The original submission drew a tip from long-time Slashdot reader Spazmania based on his own experiences with the Model M. "The thing I most like? There are little plastic caps on the keys. When they get dirty I can pop them off and run them through the dishwasher."
Any other Slashdot readers want to share their own experiences with Model M keyboards?
Today, I don't really care about fancy features like great aesthetics, RGB backlights, media keys and extra USB ports. I just need something that gives me great tactile feedback, be durable, enable me to easily swap keys to fit my Programmer Dvorak layout. The Model M fits my needs perfectly.
"Really can use this as a weapon," the blog post jokes. There's even a video "to show clicky sound difference" between two different versions of the Model M -- and in true geek fashion, he even removes the casing screws to see whether the inside had rivets or bolts.
The original submission drew a tip from long-time Slashdot reader Spazmania based on his own experiences with the Model M. "The thing I most like? There are little plastic caps on the keys. When they get dirty I can pop them off and run them through the dishwasher."
Any other Slashdot readers want to share their own experiences with Model M keyboards?
I have two in use right now, at home and at work, and a couple of spares, all made between 1988 and 1991. No other keyboard feels quite like this, and I plan to keep using them as long as I am typing.
I work as IT staff at a university, and it's always fun to see students come into my office and notice my keyboard. "Why are you using such an ancient keyboard?" they usually ask. And I just say that they don't make them how they used to. Occasionally another fan of Model Ms comes in and I get a fist-bump or a "Sweet! Model M!" from them.
Then I think and realize that these college students are all significantly younger than the keyboard. I'm getting old!
It makes that sweet, sweet noise. It's the Stradivarius of keyboards.
I don't have an actual Model M, but I have the clone made by Unicomp, both at home and at work. Nothing else will do!
www.modelfkeyboards.com. uses an invalid security certificate. The certificate is only valid for the following names: acmilan-online.com, autodiscover.acmilan-online.com, cpanel.acmilan-online.com, mail.acmilan-online.com, webdisk.acmilan-online.com, webmail.acmilan-online.com, www.acmilan-online.com
If they can't even get that right, why would I think they can get keyboards right?
The old IBM Model E (PC, PC/XT) and Model F (PC/AT & PS/2) were fantastic keyboards - I still have a couple of Model Fs (25+ years old) that I use periodically with nary a problem.
When I say that I would like them with a modern layout, I'm really talking about the Logitech "Wave" and Microsoft "Natural Ergonomic" Keyboards - they work with my old, arthritic hands better than a flat, traditional layout. I would be willing to pay $1,000+ for one of these keyboards with the Buckling Spring although WITH the capacitive sensors of the Models E & F rather than the mechanical switches of the M. The capacitive sensors just never wear out.
If you do find an old IBM keyboard, you should only try to use a Model F or M, the Model E does not have the bi-directional communications capability of the later keyboards but has the same connector as the PC/AT Model F. While the Model E keyboard uses the same pin functions, electrically they are a bit different and you could burn out a device (ie the USB adapter noted in the next paragraph) that is plugged into it if the device can't handle both.
You will need a PC connector to USB adapter. These can still be found (10 years ago, you could get them for basically nothing and often came with keyboards) but they may not provide full functionality (ie controlling lights on the keyboard). If you get one and it doesn't seem to work right, then look for another manufacturer's product. On this point, I have not been able to find a PC/AT to USB adapter for years. I have one that is wonky and that has lead me to wire the PC/AT DIN socket to a PS/2 connector and use a PS/2 to USB adapter.
Finally, IBM considered the best keyboard ever made to be the Model G which was designed for the Displaywriter around 1988. It was not compatible with the Model F but had what IBM considered the closest to perfect touch (along with an operating life that was basically forever without any maintenance).
Mimetics Inc. Twitter
I know, it's a travesty. And I'm a criminal for doing it, too.
I attended Clarkson University in the early 90s which was awash with IBM hardware. Students were "given" (we purchased them through tuition) PS/2s, and the labs all over campus were full of IBM RS/6000s. Model Ms were everywhere. Literally. When I left Clarkson, I had a few of them, brand new, still in their boxes. I kept them for a long time, and even tried making them work properly with those awful 6-pin-to-USB adapters. But at the time (this would be late 90s), those adapters were trash and didn't work... well.
My mistake: I chucked the keyboards. Off to the local electronics recycling center. I think I got rid of 5 of them, if I'm not mistaken. And yes, I should be punished for my crime.
Today, I use the modern version of the M, built by Unicomp with full USB functionality. They're not *perfect* copies of the original M, but they're damned close. And they still annoy my co-workers. ;-)
Jason Van Patten
It's not pointless when it cost me $5. I picked mine up at a local thrift store.
I hate fat people.
There's something cool about having such a vintage keyboard that still works perfectly, and better than most of the contemporary equivalents.
It's true; if you just want a mechanical keyboard there are a lot of modern options out there. But having an actual vintage 30 year old keyboard is nifty. Also, the contrast of having such a 30 year old keyboard plugged into a sleek, modern looking iMac is amusing. :)
While I don't have the same amount of love and affection for these keyboards as you do, I never really liked them ether. I do agree that after the fall of civilization alien archaeologist, a long with the Ford F-150, will be digging them up and using them. I just never liked the feel of the keyboard or the noise they made.
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I read at +2. If your post doesn't reach that level I will not see or respond to it.